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OCT 24 1899 


Sweet Blosson^s 
’Ntatt\ Frosted Leaves 


BY 


Jennie fl. Vuiiderlich. 


“ Father teach us that the darker hours 
Are needed to bring forth more perfe(5l flowers.” 


YORK, PA. : 

P. ANSTADT & SONS, 

\sm. 





CJPY, 


45318 


Copyright i8gg, by the Author. 


TWO COPIES RECEIVED 


Sul 3t4 1888 


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DEDICATION 


To MY DEAR SISTER I DA THIS BOOKLET IS 
DEDICATED, PARTLY AS AN EXPRESSION 
OF MY AFFECTION , PARTLY FOR THE 
PLEASURE OF CONNECTING MY 
EFFORT WITH YOUR NAME, 


May 5, 1899 



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Sweet Blossoms 
’Ncatli Frosted Leaves. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Sewing Circle. 

It was a quiet afternoon several sum- 
mers ago. A cool breeze stirred the 
leaves and blossoms of the trees until 
they laughed, so to speak, a little above 
their breath. Just the time to sit out of 
doors and be sociable, with some light 
work in hand. 

So thought ten winsome maidens, 
from sixteen to eighteen years of age, 
who sat beneath a large apple-tree in a 
pleasant yard. They had organized a 
sewing circle, which met twice a month 
at the home of one of its members. This 
afternoon they were the guests of Ger- 
trude Ainsworth, who lived in a cottage 
on a quiet street. 


6 


The tree under whose spreading 
branches they sat was covered with 
sweet blossoms, and, altogether, it made 
so pretty a picture that passers-by were 
tempted to stop and inspect it. In the 
midst of the girls’ laugh a slender figure 
approached, with a sweet baby clinging 
to her skirts, whom Gertrude introduced 
as her mother and her little brother 
Earl. The latter coaxed in his baby 
way until Gertrude was compelled to 
put aside her sewing and take him on 
her lap. 

Mrs. Ainsworth had been an invalid 
for several years, during which Gertrude 
had cared for the baby, and the two had 
become so attached to each other that 
the girl loved him as dearly as if he 
were her own child. 

After two hours of sewing, the quilts 
were laid aside ; and while Gertrude was 
preparing a luncheon for the guests, the 
remainder of the party engaged in a 
game of croquet. The luncheon was 
served under the tree where they had 
been sewing during the afternoon, and 


7 


as they rose to take their departure, 
Gertrude called their attention to the 
beautiful sunset in the western sky, say- 
ing: 

“ I hope the life of each one of you 
will close with a sunset as beautiful as 
that.” 

** Gertrude is such a dear girl, always 
saying and doing something nice. When 
I was sick last fall, she sent me a basket 
of choice fruit, and at another time, 
flowers; and I know she needed the 
money for other purposes,” said Martha 
Long to several of the circle on their 
way home. 

“Yes, she is so self-sacrificing,” re- 
plied Sadie Lansing; “and that little 
brother of hers- — wouldn’t I feel proud 
of such a baby brother ? Really, Mrs. 
Ainsworth’s two children are as sweet as 
the blossoms on the apple tree under 
which we’ve been sitting. And Ger- 
trude does not get discouraged as I 
would. Why, if father should die, and 
mother be an invalid with a baby to care 
for, and no income aside from the small 


8 


pension Mrs. Ainsworth receives, it 
would be impossible for me to be cheer- 
ful and look on the bright side.” 

“It’s too bad,” said Edith Manton. 
“ If we had known their circumstances, 
we would have taken our luncheons 
with us.” 

The girls were still talking about the 
occurrences of the day when they 
reached the gate where Martha lived, 
and as she closed it, after entering the 
yard, she was heard to say : 

“ Gertrude and baby Earl are sweet 
blossoms blooming 'neath frosted 
leaves.” 


9 


CHAPTER II. 

Mother’s Request. 

God calls our loved ones, but we lose not 
wholly 

What he hath given ; 

They live on earth, in thought and deed. 

As truly as in heaven. — Whittier. 

No sooner had Dr. Barton entered 
the house after making his last visit a 
few evenings subsequent to the fore- 
going events, than it began to storm, 
and thinking no one would call for him 
that night, he put on his slippers, and 
taking from his library his favorite 
book, soon became absorbed in its con- 
tents. 

However, before half an hour had 
elapsed, the door-bell rang, and, laying 
down his book, the doctor hastened to 
the door. 

“ Miss Ainsworth, what has brought 
you out this stormy night ? ” he asked 
in surprise. “ What is the matter ? ” 

“ Mother was taken ill this afternoon. 


lO 


She has been failing rapidly for the last 
six months, and I fear the crisis has 
come,” Gertrude replied with tear- 
dimmed eyes. “ I thought best to send 
for you this evening.” 

Half an hour later Gertrude and Dr. 
Barton stood at the bed-side of Mrs. 
Ainsworth, who had, during Gertrude’s 
absence, grown worse. The doctor 
pronounced it a case of intermittent 
fever, and explained to Gertrude why it 
would be necessary to have a nurse, 
knowing that for weeks her mother 
would need all the care and attention 
one person could give her. 

‘‘You will have as much as you are 
able to do to attend to the household 
duties. When you have spare moments, 
take a walk in the sunshine with baby. 
It will do you both a great amount of 
good,” said the doctor. 

“ I have always thought that if mother 
should require the care of a nurse, I 
would be ready and willing to undertake 
this work ; but I leave it to you, doctor.” 

One, two and three weeks passed 


II 


slowly by. Every few days flowers 
came from members of the sewing circle 
and friends of Mrs. Ainsworth, and now 
and then a letter, which seemed to give 
Gertrude a little comfort in her time of 
sorrow. 

She was sitting on the door- step with 
Earl in her arms asleep one afternoon, 
when the nurse informed her that her 
mother desired to speak to her. She 
placed the sleeping babe in its cradle 
and entered the sick-room. She seated 
herself near her mother, who, in faint 
whispers, spoke the following words : 

“ Gertrude, if I should be taken from 
you it would be impossible for you to 
support yourself and baby, and I request 
you to take your little brother to the 
Orphan’s Home until such a time as 
you maybe able to keep him with you.” 

It was impossible for Gertrude to con- 
trol her feelings, and her eyes filled with 
tears. She said a few comforting words 
to her mother, and after stroking the 
feverish forehead for a few moments, left 
the room. 


That evening at twilight death entered 
their humble home. Each day Gertrude 
had asked God to make her dear mother 
well, but now it was needless to do so. 
To part with her mother was almost 
more than she could bear, but she had 
prayed, “ Thy will, not my will, be 
done.” 

As Gertrude sat in her room by the 
open window gazing at the bright, 
twinkling stars and the moon rising 
slowly from behind the clouds, she 
wondered if her mother might then be 
looking down on her orphan children. 
She almost fancied she could hear her 
loving voice repeating : 

Trust in the Lord, Gertrude, and he 
will never leave nor forsake you.” 

Sinking upon her knees, she repeated 
her evening prayer. She rose with a 
lighter heart, and quietly lay down 
beside her sleeping brother ; and, in 
spite of her sorrow, unconsciousness 
soon overtook her. 


13 


CHAPTER III. 

The Separation. 

“ If father had looked into the future 
as mother did, it would not be neces- 
sarj^ to separate baby and me,” Gertrude 
said, as she placed Earl’s garments in 
the little trunk which Mr. Ainsworth 
had purchased for her when a child. 

For the last time Gertrude rocked 
Earl to sleep. Several times she under- 
took to sing the sweet lullabies which 
baby was accustomed to hear, but all in 
vain, for instead of the songs violent sobs 
broke from the lips. The clock on the 
mantel struck eleven, and still she was 
holding the sleeping child. 

A tap at the door startled her, and 
laying the baby down, she went to the 
window and asked what was wanted. 

“ It’s only me, dear child, don’t be 
afraid,” and she recognized the voice of 
Mrs. Gordon. ** I was up late sewing, 
and when I fastened the door, I saw a 


14 


light over here, and through the window 
could see you rocking baby. I felt a 
little uneasy about you, fearing your 
little charge might be ill.” 

In a few words Gertrude told the dear 
woman the meaning of it all, and putting 
her arms around Mrs. Gordon’s neck, 
she sobbed as if her heart were broken. 

Mrs. Gordon’s sympathetic words 
soon quieted Gertrude, and when she 
was again alone, she opened her moth- 
er’s Bible, and turned to the precious 
promises which had so often comforted 
the departed loved one in hours of dis- 
tress. 

It was late the following afternoon 
when Gertrude stepped off the train in 
the city of Windsor, where everything 
was strange to her. She was directed 
to the Home, and as she passed through 
the large grounds surrounding the build- 
ing, shouts of children reached her ears; 
and the sweet faces and merry voices 
that greeted her as she entered the 
building made her feel that the little 
orphans really enjoy their surroundings. 


15 


When she took her departure she felt 
convinced that the baby would be well 
cared for, and knowing she was welcome 
to visit at the Home at any time, she 
did not give way to her feelings as she 
had anticipated. On her return home 
she resolved to set to work doing some- 
thing. She applied for the school in 
the village, which was granted her, and 
the success she achieved during the 
summer term surprised every one. By 
her gentle manner and sweet disposition 
she soon won the pupils who had here- 
tofore made so much disturbance in the 
school. 

One afternoon near the close of the 
term. Dr. Barton alighted from his car- 
riage and entered the school-room. 
Gertrude was always pleased to have 
parents visit her school. 

‘*But what could have brought Dr. 
Barton here this afternoon,” she won- 
dered to herself, as she announced the 
lesson for the following day. 


i6 


CHAPTER IV. 

A New Undertaking. 

“ If you have leisure this evening, 
could you come to my room ? I have 
something to tell you.” 

The speaker was Gertrude Ainsworth, 
and it was to Martha Long that she 
addressed these words. Without wait- 
ing for a reply Gertrude bounded up the 
stairs, and Martha went about her work 
wondering what had occurred. 

“ The dear girl ! I feel sorry for her. 
She does not feel that she can be idle 
so long, and yet what can she do ? ” 

Gertrude’s face was like a sunbeam 
when she answered Martha’s tap at the 
door an hour later. 

“ Heretofore you have always shared 
my sorrows, but now I have something 
better to share with you.” Gertrude said, 
as she seated herself at Martha’s feet. 
“ I have dreaded this last day of school 


17 

for several reasons ; first of all, I could 
not afford to be idle, and secondly, I did 
not want to leave the little ones to 
whom I had become so attached. A 
week a^o to-day Dr. Barton called to 
visit my school, as I supposed. I was 
somewhat surprised at it, but was still 
more surprised when he began ques- 
tioning me in regard to what I had in 
view for the future, and whether I cared 
for city life ; and, last of all, he asked if 
I ever had a desire to enter a nurse 
training-school. And then what do you 
think he said ? Well, I can’t wait to 
have you guess it. He said he was go- 
ing to the city in three weeks, and as I 
was going to visit baby at the Home, I 
could go with him and we would visit 
the training school, and if I desired to 
remain and take the necessary examina- 
tions before entering, I could do so, and 
he would return home. Now, isn’t that 
something to be happy over ? I have 
always enjoyed caring for the sick, and 
you remember how disappointed I was 
when I was not allowed to nurse 


i8 

mother. And then what pleases me 
further is that I can be so near Earl. 
Now, Martha, do tell me what you think 
of Dr. Barton’s suggestion ? ” 

Martha hesitated a moment. “ Of 
course, I am pleased to learn of your 
success and hope you will enjoy hospital 
life, if you undertake it ; but you will 
be missed in our home, you sweet blos- 
som,” and tears moistened the speaker’s 
eyes. 

Two weeks from the time of Ger- 
trude’s interview with Martha we find 
her at the hospital wearing a white cap 
and performing the duties of a nurse. 
Her smiling face and kind words cheered 
the sad and discouraged hearts of her 
patients. She was allowed one after- 
noon of each week, the greater part of 
which was spent at the home of Earl. 

She had not been at the training- 
school more than a few months before 
Earl grew to know her when she called 
at the Home. She longed for the time 
when she would be able to support her- 
self and baby and keep him with her. 


T9 

“ Will that time come soon, or is it 
still far off?” She would often ask 
herself this question as she kissed baby 
good-by. 


20 


CHAPTER V. 

The Disappointment. 

Baby Earl’s second birthday was at 
hand. In the afternoon Gertrude made 
her weekly visit to the Home, and with- 
out saying a word she brought Earl to 
the training-school to spend the after- 
noon. It was quite a surprise, and a 
number of times during the day Gertrude 
was complimented on having such a 
dear little brother. 

“ What a pity they have to be sepa- 
rated in this way ! ” one nurse was heard 
to say to another. 

“ Some day Miss Ainsworth can de- 
mand a large salary, and then she can 
see her way clear to keep her little 
brother with her,” Gertrude heard the 
matron say. 

When she left baby at the Home,she felt 
that it had been one of the happiest days 


21 


she had spent for a year. But the sky, 
so clear for a time, soon was overcast 
with clouds, for one afternoon several 
weeks later she went to the Home, but, 
to her dismay, did not find baby there. 
A home had been secured for him with 
a private family, and no relative of the 
child was to know where he was, this 
arrangement being one of the rules of 
the institution. 

This sudden shock was almost more 
than Gertrude could bear, and gradually 
the color left her cheeks. She seldom 
smiled, and her words of cheerfulness 
were rarer than before. Her free after- 
noon of each week was generally spent 
in solitude, except when urged by some 
one to go out for a drive or a ride on 
the lake. 

Thus several months passed by, and 
yet Gertrude had not become reconciled 
to her disappointment. 

** Something must be done,” the 
physician at the hospital said, after 
everybody had done all that could be 
done to comfort her. A few weeks at 


22 


the seashore was advised, to which 
Gertrude consented. 

The change did her a great deal of 
good, but she had no desire to remain 
at the training-school. She did not 
want to go back to her former home, 
but what to do she knew not. 

In the midst ol all these difficulties, 
tidings came that a nurse was wanted at 
another hospital in a city some twenty 
miles distant. Gertrude was given the 
first opportunity, and she seemed a little 
cheerful when it was decided that she 
was to go. 

“ I don’t like to leave you, for you 
have been so kind to me, and yet I think 
I can forget my sorrow sooner by being 
away from scenes that remind me of it,” 
said Gertrude,*as she put the last article 
into her trunk. 

She bade her dear friends at the 
school good-by, and left for the station, 
accompanied by Miss Newman, the 
matron, and one of the nurses, in whom 
Gertrude had often confided. 

When Miss Newman kissed Gertrude 


23 


before she stepped onto the train, she 
whispered these words: 

“Even as prudent parents disallow 
Too much of sweet to craving babyhood, 

So God, perhaps, is keeping from us now 
Ivife’s sweetest things because it seemeth 
good.” 


24 


CHAPTER VI. 

A Vacancy Filled. 

Miss Newman’s farewell words proved 
to be seed sown in fertile soil. 

As the train sped on, Gertrude won- 
dered if she had expe6led too much of 
the good of life. Perhaps God was denying 
her many pleasant things because it 
seemed good to him. She would en- 
deavor to exercise a faith that never asks 
why some days are dark, and cultivate a 
courage strong to gather from life’s bit- 
ter experiences the sweetest grace, as 
Samson extra(5led honey from the lion’s 
carcass. 

When Gertrude reached her desti- 
nation, the buds of simple faith were 
meekly blooming, and she entered upon 
her new duties, resolved to do her best 
and leave results to Him, who doeth all 
things well. She kept her sorrow 


25 


quietly to herself, for she thought it 
would not improve matters to reveal her 
trouble to those about her. 

It was fully six months before the 
color returned to her cheeks ; yet she 
had learned that grieving would not 
bring back her darling brother to her. 

One day when she had been at Hill- 
side Avenue Hospital nearly a year, 
she was asked to step into the reception 
room, where there was a gentleman who 
wished to see her. When she entered. 
Dr. Barton stood before her. How 
pleased she was to see him ! He had 
done so much for her, and she had not 
seen him since she entered the training- 
school. He had heard that she was at 
this hospital, and having been called to 
the city on business, he thought she 
would not be averse to receiving a call 
from him. 

She confidently told him of her mis- 
fortune, and when he left, he promised 
to be on the alert for Earl, and if he 
chanced to find him, would inform her 
of his whereabouts at once. She felt 


26 


that he had said this merely to cheer 
her; for the chances of finding Earl 
were exceedingly uncertain. 

He was pleased to learn that Gertrude 
had been successful as a nurse and that 
she was taking a deep interest in this 
kind of work. 

“And I have you to thank,” said 
Gertrude, as he took her hand. 

“ I am always willing to do what I 
can for the benefit of others, and if at 
any time you need advice or help of any 
kind, I will be pleased to be of service 
to you. Good-by, and God bless you.” 
And he was gone. 

“ How kind every one is to me ! I 
fear I don’t appreciate it as I ought,” 
Gertrude thought, as she resumed her 
work. 

Weeks and months passed by, and 
yet baby had not been found. Though 
hope was almost dead, her faith did not 
waver, for she felt assured that no harm 
would come to Earl as long as she 
trusted in him who is a Father to the 
fatherless. 


27 


Still poor Gertrude knew not what 
was in store for her, and it was well for 
her that she did not — a refle 61 :ion that 
is true of all our checkered lives. 


28 


CHAPTER VII. 

An Accident. 

Mr. Dinsmore, a merchant of a large 
city, and his wife were sitting on the 
veranda one warm afternoon in July 
when a messenger boy entered the yard, 
and stepping up to Mr. Dinsmore, 
handed him a message. His hands 
trembled as he opened it, for that morn- 
ing his little daughter had gone to a 
Sunday-school picnic, and he and his 
wife were feeling a little uneasy about 
her. Esther had promised not to get 
into a boat or go near the water, and as 
she was an obedient child, the parents 
consented to let her go to the picnic. 

Mr. Dinsmore read as follows : 

Esther ill. Come at once.” 

There were no more trains leaving that 
afternoon, so Mr. Dinsmore ordered his 
carriage brought out, and before fifteen 
minutes had elapsed, he and his wife 


29 


were on their way to the picnic grounds, 
which were about five miles distant. 

Mrs. Dinsmore was almost frantic 
when she learned that a swing, in which 
Esther had been swinging, broke, letting 
her to the ground, and that she had 
been unconscious for several hours. 

Esther was taken home and a phy- 
sician summoned. An examination 
proved that . her right limb was badly 
injured, and that it might be months be- 
fore she would have the use of it. 

Loving hands did all in their power 
to relieve her suffering, but all efforts 
proved futile and early that fall little 
Esther was taken to Hillside Avenue 
Hospital to undergo an operation. 

Gertrude Ainsworth was summoned 
into the room, and after being introduced 
to Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, she set to 
work making her new charge as com- 
fortable as she could. 

“ Where have I seen that face before ?” 
said Mrs. Dinsmore to her husband. 

“ She certainly resembles some one I 
have meet,” replied Mr. Dinsmore. 


3C> 

That evening Gertrude and Esther 
were alone, and the former did her 
best to make the room cheerful. How 
different everything was from that of 
Esther’s home. She felt quite positive 
she could not become accustomed to the 
bare white walls, the iron bedsteads and 
the numerous oddities conne6led with 
the hospital ; but she had said, “ I 
should be willing to be deprived of almost 
everything in order to be well and go 
about as I once did.” 

Gertrude opened her Bible, and sat 
by the window where the rays of the 
setting sun fell on her book, and read 
aloud one of the Savior’s promises. 

Esther was quiet after Gertrude ceased 
to read, and looking up, she saw that 
the little hands were clasped ; the 
bright eyes closed and she could see 
her lips moving in silent prayer. Ger- 
trude left the room, and when she re- 
turned Esther was asleep and stooping 
she kissed the pale cheek. 

As she sat watching over this slum- 
bering child, she thought how thankful 


31 

she ought to be that she could be of 
some use in this world, and how happy 
she would be in this work if she only 
knew where baby Earl was. She 
thought he could talk by this time, and 
how pleased she would be to hear him 
lisp her name. Would he remember 
her should they ever meet again ? 

The next morning Esther was un- 
usually bright, and never before had 
Gertrude dreaded to witness an oper- 
ation as the one performed on her little 
patient’s limb. 

She was such a sweet child, so self- 
possessed, and her last words before she 
was put to sleep were : “ Dear nurse, if 
I do not live through this, tell mamma 
and papa I have gone to live with the 
angels ; ” and again the little hands 
were clasped, and Esther knew no more 
until all was over. 

Though the pain was intense for 
several days, Esther bore it heroically 
and tried to think of the future as bright, 
and she begged of Gertrude to come and 
spend her vacation at her home after 


32 


her return, which would be in two weeks 
if she continued to improve. 

Mrs. Dinsmore called at the hospital 
every few days. Esther would become 
so interested in telling her mamma how 
kind and patient Gertrude was that, at 
times, she almost forgot her own suffer- 
ings. She never tired of listening to the 
stories her nurse told her. She knew 
that she would remember some of them 
as long as she lived. 

Poor child ! she knew not what the 
future had in store for her. 


33 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Visitors at the Hospital. 

My dear child, I have told you all 
the stories I can recall, and T have read 
everything I think would interest you,” 
said Gertrude, one day, as she smoothed 
her little patient’s pillow. 

” But you have never told me any- 
thing about your own life — why you 
became a nurse and whether you have 
any sisters and brothers.” 

“ There is more sorrow than joy con- 
nected with my life, and I fear it would 
not be a very interesting story, but if 
you desire, I will accede to your re- 
quest.” 

Then Gertrude gave her interested 
invalid friend an account of her own 
life, as it has already been sketched in 
this narrative. The sick girl listened 
intently, her eyes sometimes brimming 
over with tears. 


34 

Just as she finished the rather pensive 
story, there was a knock at the door, 
and as Gertrude was wanted down 
stairs, Esther was left alone to think 
over what her nurse had told her. When 
Gertrude returned an hour later, Esther 
was asleep. 

“Judging from the smile on her face, 
she must be enjoying pleasant dreams,” 
Gertrude thought, as she darkened the 
room. 

* He 

There came a day before long when, 
as was the custom, visitors were allowed 
to come to the hospital to see the in- 
mates. 

“ Yes, nurse,” said Esther, “ I want 
my prettiest gown on, for this is visiting 
day and I am looking for mamma this 
afternoon. She said the last time she 
was here that she had a surprise in store 
for me, and I wonder if it could be that 
she will bring brother Harold with her. 
The dear little boy, I wonder if he has 
missed me since I am here ? ” and little 


35 

Esther’s face brightened at the thought 
of Harold’s visit. 

Of course he isn’t my real brother,” 
she added, “ but then we think just as 
much of him as if he were.” 

” Indeed ? ” said Gertrude, wonder- 
ingly. 

“Yesterday, when you were telling 
me about your little brother, I wondered 
if he had made some home as happy as 
Harold has made ours. I wanted to 
tell you about Harold yesterday, but I 
guess I must have been asleep when you 
returned to my room.” 

“Yes, dear, you were, but if you care 
to tell me this morning, I can give you 
half an hour,” replied Gertrude, glancing 
at Esther’s little watch which lay on the 
table at her side. 

Then Esther began her simple story : 

“ A year ago last summer papa, 
mamma and myself were visiting at 
papa’s brother’s, and while there we 
called at the Orphan’s Home. When I 
saw the dear little children, I just begged 
of mamma to take one of them along 


36 

home, for I had always wanted a little 
brother. Harold seemed to be mamma’s 
choice, and I remember hearing her say 
he looked very much like our baby that 
died, and for this reason mamma felt she 
must take him with her. 

“ How delighted I was. My dollies 
were all put aside, for then I had what I 
so much longed to have — a real live 
baby to play with. 

“ My brother Raymond didn’t like to 
have this strange baby brought into our 
home, and for a long time he paid no 
attention to Harold; but he has also 
become attached to him, and if he 
wanted to admit it, I believe he thinks 
just as much of him as the rest of us 
do.” 

“Yes, one may learn to love one in 
that way,” Gertrude interjected. 

“ Oh, I hope mamma will bring him 
with her to-day, and I know you can’t 
help liking him. I do want you to see 
him before I am taken home.” 

Early in the afternoon a car stopped 
at the east entrance of the hospital. 


37 


From the window where Esther sat 
she saw her mamma step from the car, 
and — sure enough — there was Harold 
with her. 

Gertrude was not aware that Mrs. 
Dinsmore had arrived until she entered 
Esther’s room some minutes later. She 
greeted Mrs. Dinsmore in a friendly 
manner ; then turned to the sweet child 
at her side. She grew pale, faltered and 
almost cried out in agitated surprise. 
Then she clasped little Harold to her 
bosom, and wept like a child. 

Mrs. Dinsmore was at a loss to divine 
the cause of Gertrude’s excited feeling, 
and became almost alarmed, when sev- 
eral minutes later, the girl sank to the 
floor almost in a swoon. 

Help was summoned at once, and 
Gertrude was soon restored to con- 
sciousness. Her first words were : 

“ Is it really my baby brother, or am 
I dreaming ? ” 

No, she was not dreaming, for an ex- 
planation on the part of Mrs. Dinsmore 
proved that this child was the dear little 


38 

brother whom Gertrude had feared she 
would never see a^ain. 

“ The name has been changed because 
our baby that died was named Earl,” 
explained Mrs. Dinsmore. 

It was a day of rejoicing throughout 
the entire institution. That afternoon, 
when Gertrude felt a little stronger, 
each one of her patients was allowed to 
share her joy and have a peep at the 
little blossom which had been hidden 
from her sight so long, but had now 
been discovered. 

Before Mrs. Dinsmore left, she con- 
sented to Gertrude’s wish to call her lit- 
tle brother Earl, as she had been accus- 
tomed to doing, and also that the Dins- 
mores themselves would call him by 
that name for Gertrude’s sake. 

It was decided, too, that Gertrude 
should spend her holiday vacation with 
the Dinsmore’s. It was growing dusk 
when Mrs. Dinsmore and Earl left the 
hospital. 

To Gertrude the events of the day 
seemed like a happy dream ; it was all 


39 

so unexpected, and had it not been that 
she had seen her darling with her own 
eyes, she could not have believed it to 
be true. 

“ If mother could only have witnessed 
the scene of this afternoon,” Gertrude 
said to Esther as they sat in the twilight. 
“ She may be one of the angels that 
watch over the earth, and she may have 
seen what took place here ; but how it 
would have grieved her to know that 
baby and I were separated so long, not 
knowing whether we would ever see 
each other again.” 

The prayer that Gertrude offered that 
night would have touched even an un- 
believer’s heart. She felt that her re- 
peated prayers for the safe return of 
baby had been heard and answered, and 
it was at this hour that she pledged her- 
self to do whatever the Master desired 
of her and to follow in his footsteps. 

When she awoke the next morning, 
the sun was shining brightly through 
her window. Looking out, she discov- 
ered that the earth, which had for a 


40 


number of days been almost flooded by 
the heavy rains, was covered with snow. 
As she stood gazing on the first snow 
that had fallen, she thought how her life 
during the past year had been flooded 
with sorrow and disappointment, and 
now, like the earth, it was irradiate with 
sunshine and purity. 


41 


CHAPTER IX. 

Gertrude’s Vacation. 

“ Good morning, little daughter,” 
said Mr. Dinsmore, as he stooped to 
kiss Esther. “ I’m here with the sleigh 
to take you and Gertrude home with 
me.” 

I am so glad you thought of com- 
ing in the sleigh, for it has been a long 
time since I have had a sleigh ride,” re- 
plied Esther, drawing her gloves over 
her thin white hands. ” I’ll be ready 
as soon as Gertrude gets my furs. She 
had a little matter to talk over with 
Mrs. Sanford, the matron, before leav- 
ing. She will be here in a few minutes.” 

When Gertrude returned, she put 
Esther’s furs around her, and Mr. Dins- 
more carried his little invalid child out 
to the sleigh, followed by Gertrude, who 
was laden with shawls and numerous 
things to add to her patient’s comfort. 
Esther gave one long look at the hos- 
pital, where she had suffered so much 


42 


pain and yet where she had spent so 
many happy hours with her dear nurse. 

The horses sped over the frozen pave- 
ments so rapidly that before Esther was 
aware of it, they were in front of the 
dear home she had not seen for severel 
months. Little Earl was at the parlor 
window waving his hands, and Mrs. 
Dinsmore came to the door to welcome 
her loved ones home. 

Gertrude had never dreamed that the 
Dinsmore home would be so beautiful. 
Baby had all a child’s heart could wish. 
‘‘ Santa is coming to-night,” he whis- 
pered, as he climbed into Gertrude’s lap, 
where he fell asleep soon afterwards. 

Gertrude was shown into the nursery 
where she undressed baby and placed 
him in his downy bed. Before leaving 
the room she kissed the sleeping child, 
and a few tears fell on the rosy cheeks. 
But they were tears of joy. If Mrs. 
Ainsworth could have looked down on 
her happy children this Christmas Eve, 
she would have tuned her golden harp 
anew. 


43 

That evening, when Esther was 
asleep, Gertrude and Mrs. Dinsmore 
completed the trimming of the Christ- 
mas-tree, which was to be a surprise to 
both children. 

“ I fear it will be Esther’s last Christ- 
mas with us, and we must make it as 
merry as we possibly can,” said Mrs. 
Dinsmore, as she fastened a beautiful 
gold ring for Esther to one of the lower 
branches of the tree. 

Just then the door-bell rang and Mrs. 
Dinsmore left the room, and when she 
returned she brought with her a noble 
looking young man. 

“ This is my son, Raymond, Miss 
Ainsworth, who has just come home 
from college to spend the holidays with 
us. He can assist you in decorating 
the tree while I prepare his luncheon,” 
and Mrs. Dinsmore left the room. 

Gertrude felt a little timid at first in 
the young collegian’s company, but he 
had often heard his parents speak of her 
as Esther’s nurse, so he did not feel that 
they were strangers. 


44 


“ Is it possible you are Earl’s sister ? 
Yes, I see; there are the blue eyes and 
golden hair,” said Raymond, glancing 
at Gertrude from the opposite side of 
the tree. “Strange you should find 
your brother in the way you did.” 

“Yes, it certainly was strange. Es- 
ther’s illness has brought sorrow to 
some and joy to others; for, had it not 
been for Esther’s coming to the hospi- 
tal, it is doubtful if baby and I would 
ever have found each other.” 

That evening Raymond and his 
mother had a long chat. He told her 
of his success and his failures during the 
term at school ; how he had feared 
Esther would leave for the better land 
before his return home. 

“ I scarcely knew what to bring the 
children for Christmas. I thought it 
over and over, and at last I concluded 
to get Esther several of the Pansy books 
and Earl a ring. Will they answer ? ” 

“ Most assuredly they will,” said Mrs. 
Dinsmore. 

Raymond rose, and opening the hall 


45 


door, took hold of a large package 
standing there and drew it into the room 
and handed it to Mrs. Dinsmore, saying 
it was a gift from him. 

She opened it, and there found a life- 
size crayon of Earl, taken from a photo- 
graph which Raymond had carried with 
him when he left home. It was an ex- 
cellent likeness of baby. 

Before retiring, Mrs. Dinsmore placed 
the picture on an easel in the room 
where the Christmas-tree stood, so that 
the children and Gertrude would espy 
it as they came down stairs in the morn- 
ing. 

The snow was falling fast when 
Christmas dawned, and the jingle of 
sleigh bells could be heard from far and 
near. The shout of “ Merry Christmas ! ” 
resounded throughout the Dinsmore 
residence, and happier children than 
Esther and Earl could not be found. 
Esther tried to forget her trouble that 
day, and with the remainder of the fam- 
ily made a joyful day. 

The picture was the first thing to at- 


46 

tract Gertrude’s attention. Her pleasure 
cannot be described. She was delighted 
that Raymond thought so much of 
baby as to have this picture made. 

Among Esther’s gifts was an invalid’s 
chair. Gertrude had not thought of 
receiving a present, but, nevertheless 
she was not forgotten. Mr. Dinsmore 
presented her with a guitar — just what 
she had often longed to have, but found 
it cost beyond her purse. 

After the Christmas dinner had been 
served, Esther, requested Gertrude to 
sing several of her songs, to which she 
acceded. The song “ Angel Voices,” 
touched each member of the family, 
even Raymond, whose eyes were moist 
with tears which he could not keep 
back. Raymond and Gertrude attended 
a Christmas entertainment in the even- 
ing at one of the large churches in the 
city, and thus the merry day was spent 
in a happy and profitable way. 

Gertrude greatly enjoyed her two 
weeks with the Dinsmores. She had 
no cause to feel otherwise The color 


47 


came back to her pale face, and when 
she returned to the hospital, she was 
the picture of health and beauty. 

When the time came for Gertrude to 
leave, Esther gave way to her feelings. 
“ How can I live without my dear 
nurse ! ” she moaned. 

“ I will come to see you whenever I 
can get away,” said Gertrude, trying to 
comfort the girl, and then she kissed 
Esther good-by. 

Raymond accompanied Gertrude to 
the hospital. He was more taciturn 
than usual. Ah ! dear reader, Ray- 
mond’s experience was similar to the 
experience of all Gertrude’s friends — he 
had learned to love her. It was not her 
beauty alone that had won his heart; 
it was chiefly her sweet disposition, the 
kindly spirit she had shown to Esther 
and baby, and her sweet voice that had 
on Christmas day sung the pleasing 
songs that so touched his profoundest 
motives. 

“ Gertrude has never cared for any 
young man. Would she care for me ? ” 


48 

This was one of the questions he plied 
himself with as they drove to Hillsdale 
Hospital. 

When within several blocks of their 
destination, Raymond slipped a small 
box into Gertrude’s hand, and said it 
contained her Christmas gift from him, 
though it was a little late for a Christ- 
mas gift, he said, laughing. 

He helped her out of the sleigh when 
they reached the hospital, and bidding 
her farewell, drove away, though he 
turned and watched her ascend the steps. 

“ Mother,” said Raymond, as he sat 
by the fireside that evening, ” You call 
Earl your little rose-bud. What would 
you say if I should call Gertrude my 
blossom ? ” 

She certainly has proved herself a 
sweet blossom,” said Mrs. Dinsmore. 
But she did not answer his question 
definitely, and Raymond was left some- 
what in doubt as to her opinion on a 
matter of vital concern to himself. 


49 


CHAPTER X. 

A Precious Jewel. 

Something to love 

God lends us, but when the love is grown 
To ripeness, that on which it throve 
Falls off, and love is left alone. 

— Tennyson, 

For several months Esther was able 
to go about in her new chair, but she 
gradually grew weaker, and again was 
compelled to remain in bed. 

The April showers came, and with 
them the sweet blossoms of spring, but 
Esther was not able to go among them. 
When she awoke, on one of these beau- 
tilul spring mornings, she complained 
of being very tired. 

“ What are you thinking about, dear,” 
asked Mrs. Dinsmore of Esther, who 
had been silent for some time. 

“ I was thinking about my dream.” 

^‘And what was your dream, dear 
child ? ” 


50 


dreamed an angel stood by my 
bed, and putting out his arms, said : 
* Come; my Master has sent me to 
gather up his jewels.’ Before I had time 
to ask who his Master was and whither 
I was to go, the angel had taken me in 
his arms, and we were high above the 
earth. I looked down and saw you 
kneeling here at my bed, and you were 
weeping. 

“ We soared higher and higher until 
we came to two pearly gates. The 
angel knocked at the gates, and while 
waiting for them to open, I heard sing- 
ing and playing of harps. When the 
gates opened, before us stood a person 
with a crown of light on his head, and 
this person the angel called Master. 

“ Everything was beautiful. The 
ground was covered with flowers wher- 
ever I stepped. My pain had all left 
me, and I was able to walk. Everybody 
was happy. Little children were play- 
ing about, and among them I saw our 
baby and a baby that died while I was 
at the hospital. I was told that my 


51 


work in this beautiful city would be to 
look after these two children. I was so 
happy, dear mamma; and just in the 
midst of all my happiness I awoke. 
Mamma, tell me, do you think that 
beautiful city was heaven and the Mas- 
ter that sent his angel for me was 
God ? ” 

“ From the description of your dream, 
it must have been heaven,” responded 
Mrs. Dinsmore, as she stroked the thin 
white hand that lay on the counterpane 
as if lifeless. 

“ And do you think I am one of his 
jewels, mamma ? ” 

“ Yes, dear, you certainly are a pre- 
cious jewel ; ” and Mrs. Dinsmore’s eyes 
filled with tears. 

Mrs. Dinsmore urged Esther to try 
to go to sleep as she must be tired after 
talking so long. She made Esther as 
comfortable as possible, and then left 
the room. 

That afternoon, when Mrs. Dinsmore 
entered the room, Esther appeared to 
be resting quietly, and when the family 


52 


retired for the night, she was still sleep- 
ing, and fearing she might wake her, 
Mrs. Dinsmore did not kiss her little 
daughter good-night. 

The next morning Esther did not 
wake with the singing of the birds. 
Sometime during the night the Master’s 
angel had gathered little Esther among 
his jewels, and, as she had dreamed, her 
mamma was kneeling beside her bed 
weeping. 

The Dinsmore home was filled with 
sadness, and yet they felt it would be 
cruel to wish their little daughter back 
to earth, where she had undergone so 
much suffering. 

“Yes, Esther’s sickness and death 
have drawn me nearer to the Master, 
and I also must be watching for the 
coming of the angel of death,” Mrs. 
Dinsmore said to herself, as she sat by 
the body of her dear child. 

Gertrude was telegraphed for, and 
also Raymond, who was yet away at 
school. Each time Gertrude had visited 
little Esther, she observed the change 


53 


for the worse and she was prepared to 
learn the sad news of her death. 

What a comfort Gertrude was to Mrs. 
Dinsmore no one knew but herself. She 
arranged everything as Mrs. Dinsmore 
desired ; and having grown accustomed 
to seeing death so often at the hospital, 
she could do for Esther now as she had 
done for her during her sickness. 

When all preparations had been made 
for the burial, the room where Esther 
lay was one mass of flowers. 

At the close of the service four little 
friends of Esther sang the following 
hymn, so appropriate for the occasion : 

When he cometh, when he cometh, 

To make up his jewels, 

All his jewels, precious jewels. 

His loved and his own. 

When the voices ceased, the little 
casket was borne to the cemetery, by 
which flowed a beautiful river, fit em- 
blem for the river in the city of God, 
and the body of Esther was laid in its 
quiet resting place beneath the emerald 
sod. 


54 


CHAPTER XL 
One Sweet Blossom. 

The morning smiled brightly over the 
earth, and the earth smiled back in 
transport, and the birds sang their gay 
matins around the Dinsmore home as 
Gertrude sat beneath a large maple in 
the yard watching some fledgelings tak- 
ing their first lessons in flying. To 
Gertrude this was a day of rest, of sol- 
emn joy and blessing; in it was her 
wedding day. 

A year has passed since Esther died 
— a year of loneliness to the Dinsmores. 
Earl missed Esther sorely, as did the 
entire family. H e needed cheerful 
words, which Mrs. Dinsmore found 
difficult to furnish, and he also needed 
some one to take him out for a walk or 
a drive each day. 

It was for these reasons that Ray- 


55 


mond Dinsmore obtained Gertrude’s 
consent to an early marriage. She had 
wished to continue in her work at the 
hospital a year or two longer ; yet she 
felt that, having received so many 
tokens of love and kindness, she ought 
to be willing to sacrifice her situation 
and give cheerful help to those who had 
done so much for her. 

Some one entered the gate, and Ger- 
trude rose to greet him ; it was Ray- 
mond, for whom she had been looking 
while sitting under the tree that morn- 
ing. How he had looked forward to the 
day when he could claim Gertrude as 
his own. 

That evening while the bells of the 
cathedral were chiming, Gertrude and 
Raymond were wedded. It was a quiet 
home wedding, but few guests having 
been invited ; only the most intimate 
comrades of Raymond and a few ot 
Gertrude’s friends, among them Martha 
Long. 

As Gertrude had no place she could 
call home, Mrs. Dinsmore had urged 


56 

her to come to them and make the 
preparations for the wedding. She sent 
for her friend Martha, and for two weeks 
these girls were kept quite busy. 

What pleasant chats they had ! Two 
years had made many changes ; but 
their love for each other had rem.ainep 
steadfast. 

Gertrude’s smiling countenance and 
merry voice soon cheered the saddened 
home. She put her heart into every- 
thing she did, not only in driving and 
entertaining, but also in performing the 
common duties of every-day life, thus 
making them sublime. Little Earl soon 
became attached to her, and her love 
for him grew stronger as the weeks 
passed by. 

Raymond Dinsmore had cause to feel 
proud of his bride for she was a devoted 
wife, always giving wise and helpful 
counsel. She displayed a deep interest 
in his business affairs, and when mis- 
fortune came, always shared the bitter 
as she had the sweet. She was the 
same self-sacrificing Gertrude that she 


57 


had been when her mother lived ; never 
tired of helping those she loved. 

Often toward evening Gertrude and 
Raymond could be seen going to Es- 
ther’s grave, bearing flowers which she 
had twined into some pretty design. 
There she would tell of the pleasant 
talks she and Esther had enjoyed while 
at the hospital, and what a sweet Chris- 
tian child his little sister had been, and 
how she had borne her sufferings with- 
out a murmur. 

The summer days came on apace 
with their sultry, enervating heat, and 
one day in August Gertrude was 
stricken with a fever. For weeks she 
hovered between life and death, until 
many times it seemed the last spark of 
life was gone. But Gertrude’s work in 
this world had not yet been completed, 
and so God spared her life. She was 
given the best of care and nursing, and 
when fall came, was again able to stroll 
about the yard, and gradually her 
strength returned. 

One morning after a heavy frost had 


58 

covered the earth with cold but gleam- 
ing jewels, Gertrude and Raymond were 
in the yard looking at the drooping 
flowers, which had the evening before 
looked so beautiful. 

Taking Gertrude’s hand, and looking 
at the wilted flowers, Raymond whis- 
pered these words : “ I do not grieve 
for these flowers ; the Lord has spared 
one blossom which is sweeter by far 
than all these flowers were, and though 
it has through sickness faded a trifle, 
close attention and the proper care will 
soon revive it ; ” and clasped hand in 
hand, they slowly returned to the house, 
glad that human blossoms could be re- 
stored, even though those of the garden 
were blighted forever by the frost. 


59 

CHAPTER XII. 

A Flashlight Story. 

The snow was falling fast when Ray- 
mond left his place of business one 
evening in December. It was later than 
usual, owing to a mistake he had made 
in his accounts, which he was anxious 
to discover before leaving the office. 
This, together with the slushy snow 
through which he was compelled to 
wade, ruffled his spirits a little, and 
brought a frown to his brow. When he 
neared the house, through the window 
he saw Gertrude playing on her guitar, 
and Earl sitting at her feet watching 
the quick movements of her fingers. 

What a pretty picture ! ” he said to 
himself, as he ascended the steps into 
the hall. 

When he entered, he heard her sing- 
ing, and stepping close* to the parlor 
door, which was partly open, he lis- 
tened. It was “ Angel Voices ” she was 
.singing — the song that had so touched 
his heart on Christmas Day two years ago. 


6o 


Before she ceased singing his ruffled 
spirits had taken wing, for when he en- 
tered the room no one would have 
dreamed that anything had occured dur- 
ing the day to displease him. 

“ It must be a letter from Martha,” 
said Gertrude, scanning the postmark on 
the envelope which Raymond handed her. 

‘‘ Listen,” said Gertrude ; then she 
read as follows : 

‘^My Dear Gertrude: — You no 
doubt are aware that Christmas is again 
drawing near. We should be pleased 
to have you and Earl spend Christmas 
with us and remain as long thereafter as 
you would feel disposed. We shall take 
the best possible care of you, and shall 
endeavor to make your visit pleasant. 
A number of our girl friends, who have 
moved away, are expected here during 
the holidays, and a gala-time has been 
planned for us all. Please let us hear 
from you as soon as you decide whether 
or not you can make us a visit. 

Your loving friend, 

Martha Long.” 


6i 


“ Now, my dear girl, you will have 
something to look forward to, providing 
you care to go to Fairlawn,” said Ray- 
mond, noting the puzzled look on his 
wife’s lace. 

“ I should be pleased to go if you 
could go too. Strange that Martha did 
not extend the invitation a little farther ; 
but then I presume she thought you 
would not care to leave father and 
mother alone, or the omission may have 
been thoughtlessness on her part.” 

Instead of feeling hurt about it, Ger- 
trude overlooked the slight to her hus- 
band, knowing that Martha had not 
given it intentionally. For Raymond’s 
sake Gertrude would have remained at 
home, but he urged her to go, saying a 
quiet Christmas at home would answer 
for him.” 

“ If mother cares to go out for dinner, 
we can go to Uncle’s, or she can accept 
some other invitation.” 

Gertrude decided to go ; and how de- 
lighted Earl was, though he remem- 


62 


bered nothing of his former home. He 
was now nearly four years old, and in 
Gertrude’s eyes was growing more lov- 
able each day. 

She would call and see Mrs. Gordon, 
and she must not forget Dr. Barton, 
who had been so kind to her ; and then 
there were a number of mother’s friends, 
especially those who had been so kind 
during her mother’s illness. On the 
morning before Christmas Raymond did 
not go to his office until he had seen 
Gertrude and Earl safely on the train. 

“ Have a nice time and enjoy yourself, 
but be careful not to overtax your 
strength,” and he kissed them good-by, 
and the train glided away. 

Martha was at the station to meet 
Gertrude when she reached Fairlawn. 
Instead of the old dingy depot which 
Gertrude had been accustomed to see- 
ing, a large and handsome building had 
been erected. This was not the only 
change to be seen in what was called a 
village three years ago. Gertrude could 
scarcely believe that such a transforma- 


63 

tion could have taken place in so short 
a time. The village had grown to be a 
bustling city. 

Those of Gertrude’s friends who yet 
remained received her in a hospitable 
manner. What a merry Christmas it 
proved to be ! Of the ten members of 
the sewing circle, seven were present at 
the Christmas dinner given by Mrs. 
Long in honor of her guests. One of 
their number had died, and two were 
married and had moved away. 

The dinner having been served, they 
were ushered into the parlor, when Mar- 
tha requested each one to give an ac- 
count of her life for the past three years. 

These stories of varied experiences 
were of intense interest to all present, 
making the hours speed all too rapidly. 
When Gertrude’s came, a silence fell 
over the happy group, for they knew 
her experience had in it more than one 
minor chord, and so it proved, for more 
than once the eyes of her listeners over- 
flowed with tears. Yet no tears swelled 
in Gertrude’s eyes for there was too 


64 

much joy at the close of her checkered 
trio of years for sadness now. 

That evening, when all the guests had 
dispersed and Martha and Gertrude were 
again alone, they sat by the open grate 
watching the play of the flames; but 
they saw more than the flickering fire. 
Their minds were filled with reminis- 
cences. Before Gertrude’s mind passed 
in procession the days of care-free girl- 
hood, the time when sickness and death 
invaded her home, and the long separa- 
tion from her beloved brother. Then 
came showers and sunshine, and the 
blossoms so long hidden and languish- 
ing beneath frosted leaves again blos- 
somed out in simple beauty and fra- 
grance, bringing joy and comfort to 
those so near and dear to her heart. 

A silent tear fell from her lashes as 
her mind reverted to little Esther, now 
lying in her grave beneath the immacu- 
late snow ; but Gertrude thanked God 
that the frail girl’s brief years had been 
made bright by the sweet blossoms of 
kindness. 


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